Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt (CAS 9004-32-4) — Citrus Non-odorous Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt
CAS 9004-32-4
What Is Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt?
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a synthetic thickening agent and stabilizer found in many household products like toothpaste, detergents, and food items. It’s derived from cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. While odorless itself, CMC plays a crucial role in fragrance formulations by modifying texture and controlling the release of aromatic compounds. This makes scents last longer in products like air fresheners and fabric softeners.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt Smell Like?
Carboxymethyl cellulose is completely odorless, serving purely as a functional ingredient in fragrance formulations. Its value lies in its ability to modify viscosity and stabilize emulsions, allowing perfumers to control the release rates of aromatic compounds. In aqueous systems, it provides a smooth, slightly slippery texture that can enhance the sensory experience of scented products without contributing any olfactory characteristics of its own.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(=O)O.C(C(C(C(C(C=O)O)O)O)O)O.[Na]
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Carboxymethyl cellulose is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose through etherification with chloroacetic acid. The degree of substitution (typically 0.6-0.95 carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit) determines its solubility and viscosity properties. Industrial production involves treating cellulose with sodium hydroxide followed by monochloroacetic acid, resulting in a sodium salt that’s easily soluble in water. This semi-synthetic polymer retains cellulose’s biocompatibility while gaining enhanced water solubility and thickening capabilities.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | White to cream-colored powder |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Water-soluble, forms viscous solutions |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 (1% solution) |
| Viscosity | Varies by grade (5-50,000 mPa·s) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Fragrances | 0.5-2% | 0.1-5% | Creates stable gel matrix |
| Air Fresheners | 0.2-1% | 0.1-3% | Controls scent release |
| Fabric Softeners | 0.3-1.5% | 0.1-2% | Improves product texture |
Classic Accords
Tip: Hydrate CMC powder in water before adding other ingredients to prevent clumping.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar thickening properties but with different solubility characteristics, often used when higher clarity solutions are required.
Natural alternative with pseudoplastic flow properties, ideal for shear-thinning applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA as it is non-volatile and non-sensitizing.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers carboxymethyl cellulose safe for use in fragrance applications due to its non-reactive nature and lack of dermal absorption.
Sustainability
CMC is derived from renewable cellulose sources, typically wood pulp or cotton linters. While the manufacturing process involves chemical modification, the end product is biodegradable. Recent developments focus on using agricultural waste streams as cellulose sources to improve sustainability. The synthetic modification step requires careful control to minimize environmental impact from byproducts.
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References
- Klemm, D. et al. (2005). Cellulose: Fascinating Biopolymer and Sustainable Raw Material. Angewandte Chemie. DOI: 10.1002/anie.200460587
- Sannino, A. et al. (2009). Biodegradable Cellulose-based Hydrogels: Design and Applications. Materials. DOI: 10.3390/ma2040577
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID2020555
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 263.2 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 155.52 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 6 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 7 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 5 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 56.24 cm^3/mol💻 Computed |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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